US Bridges

US 231 over Owl Creek

Good

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.73 S US 36 · Structure no. 016050

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
81 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,590
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Owl Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231 over Owl Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,590 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,110 by 2030. The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesOwl Creek
Location00.73 S US 36
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.75374, -86.87885
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length81 ft (24.6 m)
Longest span79 ft (24 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,590 (2020)
Projected traffic6,110 by 2030
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231 over Owl Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does US 231 over Owl Creek carry?

About 5,590 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Owl Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.